Sound & Video Contractor - April 2021

APRIL 2021 // VOLUME 39 // ISSUE 4

svconline.com

SOUND&VIDEO

CONTRACTOR

R E V I E W S | T E C H N O LO GY | A P P L I C AT I O N S PRODUCTS-AT-WORK TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP KVM SYSTEMS

BUILDING THE BIG CANVAS SOFI GETS THE BIGGEST VIDEOBOARD IN SPORTS TECH SHOWCASES * AV CONTROL SYSTEMS * VIDEO WALLS

contents

APRIL 2021 // VOLUME 39 // ISSUE 4

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6 | O n the Circuit

FEATURES 30 | Big Canvas SoFi Stadium gets the biggest LED videoboard in sports

By Chief Editor Cynthia Wisehart

33

Supplement

33 | T echnology for Worship Multi-site and multi-purpose systems support the future

Supplement

45 | K VM Systems

Case Studies

8 | Virtual spectators 10 | Arena Array

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Tech Showcases

12 | AV Control 20 | Video Walls

Sound & Video Contractor, Volume 39, Issue 4, (ISSN 0741-1715) is published monthly by Future US, Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10036.

Periodical Postage Paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Sound & Video Contractor, PO Box 8608, Lowell, MA 01853. One year subscription (12 issues) is $39. Outside U.S. is $79. Canada Post International Publications Mail (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40612608. Canada return address: Pitney Bowes International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. ©2021 Future US, Inc.

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on the circuit

Volume 39 Issue 4

April 2021

WWW.SVCONLINE.COM

here have been so many accomplishments in pandemic. Some of course have been heartbreakingly hard won and I try to never miss a chance to acknowledge the heroic and underappreciated healthcare workers. I hope for strength and healing for them from this unexpected war they are fighting.

As they hold the line, so many others are fighting for accomplishments in their own ways. Every sector of human life has faced new challenges and seen old familiar challenges become exponentially, spectacularly, even sometimes comically harder.

To zero in on an AV industry microcosm for a moment, let’s talk about what’s been called the Oculus—the giant videoboard centerpiece of my local SoFi stadium. In 2019, this idea and installation would have been considered jaw-dropping--two million pounds of double sided LED wall and everything that goes with it. The mind would have reeled at doing it in normal times. Yet it was literally installed throughout the shank of pandemic, making all the challenges of Before Covid seem quaint by comparison. Remember when we used to groan over dust-free being late, or panic over…whatever we panicked over before? I’m trying to remember what used to be an emergency and I’m kind of drawing a blank.

For many who worked on making that spectacular project happen, it still isn’t possible to see it in person. It fell to a relatively few people to project manage and install this behemoth through the whole run of pandemic with all the twists and turns, brand-new and ever-changing regulations, shutdowns, and concerns for personal safety. Soon, we will be able to see the finished product for ourselves, but what went into it will be a life memory for just a few.

When I see the video of that steel going up and the video board creeping into place, and when I think about the people who ran all those miles of cable, it’s viscerally thrilling, as anyone who has been on site for something big and historic knows. I’m a little jealous. I know it must have been so hard. But what an achievement for those teams. It’s a vision come true for the architect HKS. It’s also, potentially, the beginning of something that is only more important in the After Times. It’s a literal vision of a hybrid future, where the physical and the digital, the in-person and the virtual come together on more equal footing. As a theme park designer it seems, well, really important. We have become—in some cases to our detriment—digital creatures, half life, half screen. Covid has accelerated that—making our screen world a near-equal player in our real world. The balance is terrible to be honest and I just did a whole day of gardening to purge myself of screens and remember. But it will be artists, architects, and designers who help rebalance our hybrid selves. To me this is really just the beginning of digital, moving from the primitive to the sophisticated with all the potential (and sometimes losses) that entails. In the meantime, I am blown away by what everyone involved with the Oculus has made and birthed, and what content creators can do with the canvas that’s been handed to them.

T

By Cynthia Wisehart

Find me online cynthia.wisehart@ futurenet.com www.svconline.com/proavtoday and www.rebelmouse.com/ SVC_Online

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FOLLOW US @SVC_Online https://www.facebook.com/svconline CONTENT VP/Content Creation Anthony Savona Content Director Cynthia Wisehart, cynthia.wisehart@futurenet.com Contributors Bennett Liles Managing Design Director Nicole Cobban Art Editor Rob Crossland Production Managers Nicole Schilling, Heather Tatrow ADVERTISING SALES VP/Market Expert, AV/Consumer Electronics & Pro Audio Adam Goldstein, adam.goldstein@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Sales Janis Crowley, janis.crowley@futurenet.com, 845-414-6791 Debbie Rosenthal, debbie.rosenthal@futurenet.com, 212-378-0465 Zahra Majma, zahra.majma@futurenet.com, 845-678-3752 SUBSCRIBER CUSTOMER SERVICE To subscribe, change your address, or check on your current account status, go to www.mysvcmag. com and click on About Us, email futureplc@ computerfulfillment.com, call 888-266-5828, or write P.O. Box 8608, Lowell, MA 01853.

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the buzz CASE STUDY / SPORTS VENUE

VIRTUAL SPECTATORS As the 2020 college basketball season was finally underway many teams were acclimating to playing in empty arenas and making unique adjustments. The 2020 Camping World Maui Invitational relocated to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina—and then partnered with innovative companies to provide participating teams with a virtual fan experience.

To recreate the roar and intimate atmosphere of the Lahaina Civic Center at the Cherokee Center, the Tournament partnered with d&b audiotechnik to use their Fanblock system, powered by Autograph Stadium Sound. Despite zero attendance, Fanblock was able to recreate the fan experience for the participating teams. d&b Fanblock, powered by Autograph Stadium Sound, delivers a real-time controlled, sound solution to venues without fans or with a reduced number of fans on site. Using a d&b sound system design positioned within an arena, d&b Fanblock crefrom the wire ates a multi-channel surround sound For more case studies, visit system which, when combined with svconline.com/the-wire.

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Autograph’s cutting-edge playback software, fills stadiums with the much-missed sound of fans.

In order to host the Camping World Maui Invitational safely for all eight participating teams (Alabama, Davidson, Indiana, North Carolina, Providence, Stanford, Texas and UNLV) the Tournament worked closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission to ensure alignment with local safety guidance. This meant restricting attendance to only essential staff and no spectators.

Not only did the players benefit from the virtual crowd, fans at home were able to experience the sounds of the stadium while games were broadcast live. The basic audio content consists of non-team specific sounds including background ‘bed’ loops to provide a continual atmosphere within the stadium and a library of sound cues that can be dynamically controlled and triggered by live Stadium Sound engineers for real-time response to the on-court action.

The custom sound design package offers clubspecific chants made possible through Autograph’s content partner, FanChants. Fanblock can also benefit hybrid events with socially distanced audiences to bring more energy and excitement to the players. d&b Fanblock uses the matrix functions of the DS100 Signal engine to distribute audio to the loudspeaker system. As the backbone of d&b Soundscape, the DS100 Signal engine enables further enhancement of Fanblock through its En-Scene software allowing complex sound events to move dynamically around the stadium in real-time and in response to the actions on the field. For example, the sound engineer can have spectator chants grow from one section before building out to fill the entire stadium. The En-Space software option further adds to Fanblock by allowing the audience sounds to emulate larger venues, which enables realistic experiences for viewing parties and other events held outside the sporting facility.

The system is scalable and can be put into any size park, stadium or arena around the world.

the buzz CASE STUDY / SPORTS VENUE

ARENA ARRAY It’s been the home of the NBA Phoenix Suns since day one. What has changed recently is how the arena sounds, with a new sound system in place for day one of the 2021 NBA season. Designed by AV consultants at WJHW and installed by Pro Sound & Video, a Solotech company, a new L’Acoustics Kara II system is part of the $230 million update of the nearly 30-year-old arena. Kara II was chosen for its light weight and powerful output capability.

“We had to stay within certain weight limits on the steel for this project, especially since the system is designed to be pulled up and out of the way when touring shows come through with their own sound systems,” they explain.

At the same time, this is a large venue—a seating capacity of over 18,000—“and the sound needs to cover the entire seating area and court. Kara II is not only compact and lightweight, but it also has a lot of power for its size. And it offers a lot of sonic transparency as well.” from the wire With the number of fans in attenFor more case studies, visit dance still strictly limited per cursvconline.com/the-wire.

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rent safety protocols, acoustical reflection and reverberation from empty seating areas are a potential concern. “Thankfully, Kara II has a tight dispersion directivity and high degree of speech intelligibility,” Pro Sound adds. “Those have become more and more important in sports venue sound designs.”

The arena’s new system comprises six arrays of 14 Kara II enclosures for a total of 84 Kara II, plus a hang of four SB18i subwoofers flown in a cardioid configuration directly behind each Kara II array. In addition, there are 28 shortthrow X12 coaxials deployed as a delay ring.

All of these are powered by 43 LA4X amplified controllers—36 for the main PA and seven for the delays—providing over 170 channels of amplification. A single LA12X powers eight A10 loudspeakers positioned underneath the center-mounted scoreboard serving as court fills. Self-powered, coaxial 108P monitors are also installed in the new media editing suite to replicate the response of the Kara II main bowl system for accurate media reproduction.

The original design called for eight hangs

of Kara. With last year’s addition of Panflex to the original Kara loudspeaker model, providing four-in-one directivity, Kara II became a “game-changer.” Now, one box could cover any audience geometry and offer consistent coverage and SPL distribution in four different directivity patterns. In its 70-degree configuration, Kara II packs a full 2 dB more than in 110 degrees. That prompted design changes that allowed just six arrays to fulfill the coverage requirements of the bowl.

Phoenix Suns management team decided to keep the extra boxes as onsite production inventory. As fate would have it, those extra Kara II enclosures came in very handy almost immediately when the NBA directed their teams to implement enhanced crowd-noise systems. The additional inventory, plus eight more enclosures rented from Clearwing Productions, now make up six hangs of six Kara II and are dedicated to the virtual crowd-noise system developed by Firehouse Productions for the NBA’s Orlando “bubble” last season, now in place at most NBA venues.

TECH SHOWCASE

AV CONTROL SYSTEMS

By Bennett Liles

A primary challenge in AV control system design is balancing system flexibility with user friendliness and in recent years great strides have been made in this A-Neuvideo respect. By automating, sequencing and synchronizing commands, control ANI-8WP systems can be custom tailored for users and their specific environment. While the use of IP based systems has grown, there is still a wide market of control devices that also employ serial, IR, and relay triggered activation. The systems shown here demonstrate the rich variety of AV control systems and methods currently available.

Showcasing versatility in a very compact scripted setup and proformat, A-Neuvideo’s ANI-8WP wallplate gramming routine. The control system installs in a standard one-gang device has four Ethernet light switch box and features eight program- ports, 16 serial ports, mable direct macro buttons on the front along DMX, SMPTE timecode, with an Ethernet port on the back. An addi- digital IO, GPS, and a builttional eight macros can be set up through the in LCD display. It is posWebGUI. Up to 16 commands can be sent sible to run SMPTE timecode from each button. The unit also has a rear sequenced control of devices, mounted relay port for more device control, audio, video, lighting and special effects. and events can be arranged to automatically Events may also be triggered by simple conactivate through time and date settings. The tact closures assigned to doors, windows, power can be provided through an external pressure pads, and other components. Accessupply or via PoE. Included are 56 button sories include I/O expansion units and Showlabels, 28 of which are pre-printed and 28 are Touch touch screen interfaces of various sizes.

The primary market for the V16X includes blank. but is not limited to theme parks, museThe Alcorn-McBride V16X show ums, and specialty exhibits. controller can accomplish heavy duty Alcorn McBride The ATEN VK1100 control box control tasks through a very easy V16X

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ATEN

VK1100 from ATEN works at the center of the Ethernet-based ATEN control system. It’s operated from iOS, Android, or Windows mobile devices via the ATEN control system app after configuration through the VK6000 Configurator software. The free standing or rack mounted unit connects to A/V equipment, lighting, conference systems, air conditioning, motion sensors, and power switches in the room on bidirectional and single direction RS232 ports, IR terminals, and relays. Viewer profiles may be imported and updated using a point-and-tap user interface.

The Atlona AT-ANC-108D eight button network control panel is a remote control panel for Atlona IP-based products.

TECH SHOWCASE

Black Box MCX Gen 2 Controller

Aurora RXC-4

Atlona ATANC-108D Connected by a single CAT cable, the box installs into a single gang light switch enclosure. The eight soft-touch, backlit buttons are identified with customizable, pre-cut labels and the panel is powered through PoE to greatly simplify installation. Configured with the free Atlona Management System (AMS) software or the embedded web server, the panel sends commands to an Atlona switcher such as the AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED and the switcher relays those commands to AV devices via RS-232 signals.

The Aurora RXC-4 is a Quad Core IP Control System, pitched for conference rooms, educational facilities, digital signage, and more. With full web server capabilities, the RXC-4 can serve up web control pages to any iPad/Android/Microsoft tablet or web browsing device. The RXC-4 has a variety

of on-board ports to control equipment such as but not limited to serial ports for devices like projectors, IR Ports for BluRay players, relays for screen or shade control, and I/O Ports for door and motion sensor devices. The dual-port 1Gbps LAN is accessible for TCP/ IP, HTTP Post, UDP, and Telnet Control of virtually unlimited amount of Ethernet based AV devices.

In February the Black Box MCX Gen 2 Controller debuted. It’s an SDVoE all-inone network controller and manager for the Black Box MCX AV-over-IP (AVoIP) multimedia distribution and management system.

Enabling complete control over the MCX system, the new controller simplifies setup and management of MCX AVoIP systems, facilitates full asset tracking of devices with real-time status monitoring, and offers strong security to ensure continual protection of data and content. The new MCX Gen 2 Controller

streamlines setup by accepting CSV imports and allowing users to assign icons to source and display endpoints for easy identification.

Users can create browser-based interfaces to control essential functions for the control matrix, video wall, and multiview functions, as well as external devices including displays and media players. The controller also has flexible EDID handling with full reporting of monitor information. A PIN-coded QR system supports creation of no-touch UIs, making setup of touch panels and control boards both simple and cost-free. An array of testing, automation, and security features round out the controller.

The Crestron CP4N 4-Series control system is a single rack space unit with an upgraded multicore CPU. Add-on control capability includes touch screens, wireless remotes, and mobile device apps as well as Crestron Fusion software and the Crestron CP4N

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TECH SHOWCASE

Contemporary Research IP-DXL Elan ELSC-100

Crestron XiO Cloud service. Capable of running ten programs simultaneously, the CP4N can have one program changed without affecting the others. Crestron lighting dimmers, motorized shades, sensors, thermostats, and keypads can be linked on the CrestNet network while third party AV devices can connect on RS-232, IR/serial, relay, and Versiport I/O control ports.

The Contemporary Research IP-DXL Display Control CenExtron ing cabinet mount ter supports display IPCP PRO (EL-SC-100-BKT) control over Ethernet, PCS1 xi can fit the controlsending control commands ler into a structured wiring cabias UDP broadcast data packets to all net for small to medium sized media QIP-D and QIP-DVX IPTV Decoder/Controllers on the network. Its flexibility allows it rooms and home theatre. It can also be used to communicate with individual displays, as an extender for larger systems primarily groups, zones, or all displays using any one of controlled by the gSC2 or gSC10. Based on three software options: the onboard DX Lite the Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 processor, web page, Display Express Software from the controller has RS-232, IR, Ethernet and Contemporary Research, or third-party con- USB ports.

The Extron IPCP Pro PCS1 xi IP Link trol systems. The IP-DXL Display Control Center can send commands for channel, vol- Pro Power and Device Control Processor carume and power; custom programming is not ries 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of Flash memory to support TouchLink Pro touch panels, required for display control.

The Elan EL-SC-100 System Control- eBUS devices, and network button panels. It ler provides control for a wide range of AV also has intelligent current sensing with an and environmental control devices in a sin- alarm, and if the unit loses power, the memgle, very compact form factor. Used with ory remains intact. Control signals are sent through a bidirectional RS-232 port with the HR10 remote and mobile app, the software handshaking, one IR/serial unit can operate door locks and even HRS port, three digital I/O ports, and an other hardware. The optional wirEnterprise Pro Rack

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FSR FlexLT200 eBUS port. The Ethernet port supports 10/100/1000Base-T. The ports also have front panel LED activity indicators.

Mounted on a wall or on a desk, the FSR Flex-LT200 features a 3.5in. color touch control panel on which users can select and control various AV source devices, control volume, and operate shades, lights, and screens. The Flex-LT200 controls through IP, four serial ports, four IR ports, and four I/O ports. The built-in scheduler can shut the system off, power up at pre-set times, and alert tech support to make routine system and component checks. The Flex-Able configuration utility provides a simple drag-and-drop programming method to configure the system.

In January Hall Technologies HIVE Control was announced. It’s an AV system

TECH SHOWCASE

Hall Technologies HIVE Control

combining IoT, legacy control, and automation technology. HIVE Control is comprised of three key elements: HIVE Control, Touch, and Node. HIVE Cloud Control provides users with 24/7 control to configure, manage, and service multiple clients from anywhere in the world; this subscription-based asset management platform allows users to

connect an unlimited number of rooms under one subscription for quick and easy integration and infinite scalability. HIVE Control uses a node-based architecture that does not require a centralized server or the purchase of gateway devices. Instead, the HIVE Touch and HIVE Node are designed to directly connect to all existing AV hardware, includ-

www.contemporaryresearch.com/sports

ing legacy devices without the need for programming. The HIVE Touch is an all-in-one touch panel display engineered to control any ProAV hardware and automation devices in any room. HIVE Control is the first of many integrated products that will launch over the course of the year.

High Resolution Systems has an incredibly versatile large scale control solution in the HRS Enterprise Pro Rack, featuring up to 100 independent control systems, each with built-in browser configuration. All of this is configured through the HRS System Designer web app that can also be used for custom driver development. There are network interfaces for IR, RS-232 and contact closures as well as complex macros and system scheduling. The whole operation is powered by a 3.5 GHz Intel XEON and 32GB memory.

The Key Digital KD-CX800 control interface can be used in any of four modes. The first is as a control gateway for enterprise AV

TECH SHOWCASE

and development, an effort that received funding from the prestigious Israel-United States Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation recognized the platform’s high level of innovation and contribution to the IoT field. The Kramer Control Platform is made up of three modules: Manager (for defining project content and scope), Builder (for dragand-drop creation, editing and configuring of room control) and Analytics Dashboard (data and monitoring), with options for public, private, or hybrid cloud implementation. On site, Smart Units, powered by innovative software technology called a “Brain,” provide bi-directional control of any device, and the Manager, Builder, and Dashboard with universal I/O RDL RU2-CS1 ports. The solution supports industry standards such as IR, serial RS-232, relays, and GPIO. Home control and automation projects can use features of the PROControl ProLink.r Plus including its Ethernet port for programming. Responding via RF to either the Pro24.r or iPro.8 remotes using its integrated antenna, the ProLink.r Plus has two voltage sensing with endpoint partners, most recently Allen ports, four integrated IR routing ports, and & Heath. Kramer Control lets users navigate unlimited storage for system commands and to any room in an organization and easily con- macros. There are four IR emitters included trol AV systems, infrastructures, and devices, and the IR output strength is adjustable. It is including Kramer wireless collaboration compatible with the ProPanel App for iOS products, audio products and systems, ther- and programming can also be done through mostats, HVAC, lights, shades, alarms, secu- the USB port.

One of the most widely used softwarerity, video conferencing, and more. Based on a distributed architecture, it offers agility and based audio, video and control platforms is scalability, catering to a single room or large the QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem with its Intel processing foundation. Future-proofed global enterprise. The platform’s comthrough its usage of IT standard probination of software, hardware, and Key Digital tocols, the system allows the intecloud is the result of years of research KD-CX800 Kramer Control

over an IP system. In the second mode, it is a Compass Control Master Controller. In mode three, it provides third-party control via KeyCode Open API, and in Mode 4, it functions as an IP control extension. Powered by a separate power supply or via PoE, the unit has a voltage sensing trigger, IP ports, serial ports, and twin LAN ports; the front panel features LED status indicators for the various ports.

Kramer Control is a comprehensive cloud-based solution that continues to integrate

ProControl ProLink.r

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TECH SHOWCASE

RTI VXP-82 gration of standard based components from different third-party manufacturers as well as those made by QSC such as amplifiers and digital mixers. The platform is set up and configured through the Q-SYS Designer Software.

Q-SYS Configurator allows configuration and Q-SYS design on web-enabled tablet devices.

Q-SYS Reflect Enterprise Manager facilitates remote monitoring and management.

The Radio Design Labs (RDL) RU2-CS1 serial - controlled interface operates eight collector outputs and eight separate 0-10VDC

outputs. This device can also respond to external switch or transistor closures with its eight status inputs. All outputs can be activated simultaneously or separately, and the ramp rate for each output can be preset. An initialization command sets all parameters to known values at the beginning of the user program and front panel LEDs show any active outputs, active status inputs, transmit and receive data, errors, and power.

QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem RTI puts control processing and presentation switching into the same device with the RTI VXP-82. Occupying two rack spaces, the unit allows control from RTI control panels, touch pads, remote controls, and mobile apps. The 8x2 switcher handles

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TECH SHOWCASE

Tekvox TCX7

SP Controls SP-TP7

signals from a wide range of AV sources and sends them out via HDMI and HDBaseT. Features include KVM control over USB, a builtin 4K video scaler, and an audio mixer that can mix de-embedded audio of HDMI and HDBaseT outputs. The unit can be controlled on the front panel, the integral processor, and Crestron control Web UI. The SP Controls SP-TP7 uses a high lumi- layouts into its 1GB nosity capacitive color display to allow simple RAM with 4GB flash memory presentation system setup and control and it and the user interface can be customcan be used to quickly upgrade systems cur- ized to perfectly suit the specific facility and rently using PixiePro control units. The touch users. It is light (.8 lbs) and small enough to panel can be wall, rack, table top, or lectern mount on a table or wall and the mounting mounted and it can use SP Controls’ exten- hardware is included. The all-metal construcsive driver library to match control to device. tion assures long-time durability.

The single RU Universal Remote Control Through the SP Controls SmartView Web software there is remote access, management, MRX-15 Total Control smart automation and and control of AV assets in multiple rooms control system communicates with both URC products and compatible third-party devices. and buildings on the network.

Another versatile touch screen control It uses IP, IR, RS-232, sensors, relays, and solution is the Tekvox TXC7 with its 7in. 12-volt control to connect and it can store and capacitive display and 1024x600 resolution. run complex control/automation commands.

For easy installation it is powered on PoE This model also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. The and includes a second, non-PoE Ethernet front panel features power and Ethernet port for control of additional devices.

LEDs. Included are 8 IR emitters, an The TXC7 can also import AMX and URC MRX-15

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West Pond Enterprises RX-50

adjustment tool, rack mount ears, power cord, and Ethernet cable.

Among the smart headend hardware provided by West Pond Enterprises is the RX-50 Managed Display Controller for managing TVs with integrated tuners. Typically used in the display systems of hospitals, hotels, corporate offices and stadiums on coax or an IPTV network, the RX-50 works in conjunction with MX-400 smart headends and other equipment.

This device uses the existing coax to carry its control commands. The display state can be set using CEC on the TV’s HDMI port, RS-232, IR, or via a power relay using the internal GPIO controls. After initial connection of its USB port to existing headend gear, the RX-50 automatically registers with the WPE MX product and performs auto-discovery of the appropriate control channel.

TECH SHOWCASE

Smart Monkeys + ZeeVee In February, Pro AV show control design and programming firm Smart Monkeys, Inc. announced its partnership with ZeeVee to offer a turnkey SDVoE distribution solution, extending the benefits of AVoIP to specialist integrators working on large-scale installations.

ZeeVee’s ZyPer Management Platform now natively supports Smart Monkeys’ ISAAC API, which enables users to customize, control, schedule, log, and manage complex media presentations via a unified programming and front-end management workspace.

This allows for ZyPer4K SDVoE AVoIP encoders and decoders to be controlled from the ISAAC workspace ‘out of the box’ with no additional programming required. In addition, ISAAC users receive the full complement of ZyPer Management Platform system operation and monitoring data.

The partnership creates a turnkey AV distribution solution for a wide range of larger-than-life AV installations requiring the most sophisticated redundant control, lighting, dynamic video and media management in theme parks, airports, casinos, corporate lobbies, visitor centers, museums, showrooms, and beyond.

Short for “Integrated Scheduling and Automation Control,” Smart Monkeys’ ISAAC is an advanced supervisory systems that manages and updates the wide variety of media and content streams needed for these custom, media-intensive projects.

“We developed the ISAAC Platform to address the market need for aggregator control software that can manage the multiple interfaces of diverse AV components within large-scale installations that are becoming more common in public spaces,” said Stephan Villet, owner, Smart Monkeys. “We chose ZeeVee as our partner for AV distribution as it has the deepest experience and success with the SDVoE IP platform, representing the future with significant performance, flexibility, and cost-saving benefits over the traditional matrix switch.”

“Smart Monkey’s ISAAC Platform provides integrators faced with more challenging AV projects with a robust, high performing and reliable integrated system they can offer their customers with a high degree of confidence,” said Joseph Chordas, VP Marketing and North American Sales, ZeeVee. “Together, we are well positioned to provide solutions to specialized markets, including entertainment, hospitality, enterprise and others where there is a growing call for the ability to create larger and more immersive visual statements.”

In addition to controlling the distribution of AV signals via ZeeVee’s ZyPer4K encoders and decoders, the ISAAC Platform hosts lighting and show control software using virtualization technology on a high performance server system. It can run multiple operating systems and applications at the same time, while each OS remains fully isolated from each other. This reduces the amount of hardware needed to run required solutions and provides a fully-redundant system in a reduced rack space.

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TECH SHOWCASE

VIDEO WALLS

By Cynthia Wisehart

Absen HC0.9

Innovation has transformed this product category, which seemed headed to commoditization not so long ago. Consider the rise of screen culture where screens are integrated into nearly every part of life, including communications on large and small scales, and in environments including retail, entertainment, work, and critical operations in healthcare, security and more.

The Absen HC0.9 is a 0.9-millimeter MiniLED display designed for the high-end control room market and other mission-critical environments that require ultra-high definition images within limited spaces. Applications include conference rooms, boardrooms, museums, and science centers. With the latest IMD 4-in-1 package and Common Cathode technologies, the product offers over 2.5 times the strength of traditional LED screens while consuming 20% less power. With IMD 4-in-1 package technology, the collision resistance of the product has increased by 2.5 times. The technology also enables an expanded operation area and improved LED PCB pad. HC0.9 supports pixel-to-pixel HD in 4K and 8K, while

achieving high grayscale at low brightness levels via CrystalView technology. It also supports HDR10 content, allowing for a broader range of colors. The power and data redundancy secures the product’s reliability, making it an ideal display solution for mission-critical decision-making applications such as control and command centers.

The Barco UniSee LCD video wall has a bezel-less and modular design; image quality is supported with a .3mm gap, as well as automatic real-time continuous calibration for color and brightness edge to edge. The thing that earned this product a Best of InfoComm award was the focus on realworld deployment such as installation time, mounting, and ease-of-ser-

vice—tasks that our judges pointed out could be “solved by a person with an Allen key.” At launch, the UniSee came with Barco’s innovative gravity-driven mounting structure. Since then other manufacturers have also collaborated on mounts including Draper, SMS, and Vogel’s curved mount, and Barco has developed the integrated UniSee platform consisting of UniSee View, UniSee Mount and UniSeee Connect.

The Black Box Radian Flex Video Wall Platform supports today’s standard of 4K 60fps video displays up to more than one billion pixels for a claim of “limitless” resolution—meaning it will also be 8K ready and beyond. Solution also supports an unlimited number of inputs, screens, and endpoints.. The included Smart-

Black Box Radian

Barco UniSee

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TECH SHOWCASE Chief TiLED Christie Micro Tiles LED

Christie Extreme Series

Frame technology ensures optimal use of the video wall display area. This feature provides calibration and fit with minimal setup time.

Other key features include content manipulation, schedule and restore capabilities, realtime control over displayed content, slide show, and more. Radian Flex is offered in two suites: The Radian Flex Suite and the Radian FlexPro Suite. The Flex Suite is best fit for economic video wall installations that are not reliant on fail-safe operation. The FlexPro Suite includes dual controllers to ensure fail-safe operation for mission-critical applications.

Earlier this year, Chief announced whiteglove direct view LED installation services for its Chief TiLED Video Wall Mounting System. The company says it recognizes risk mitigation is always top of mind when it comes to dvLED installations. From selecting displays and mounting systems to design configurations and securing skilled labor, and Legrand AV installation team provides the level of service needed. The TiLED Solution Services offers three levels of direct view LED support: Assisted Services puts the Legrand AV tech support team just a click away, with online access to spec and configuration tools like MountFinder and the TiLED LED Video Wall Configurator; Expanded Services offers personalized design consultation with Legrand AV sales, product management, and engineering professionals; Amplified Services includes start-to-finish consultation including customized design, engineered solutions, and labor assistance.

Christie Access II Series discrete LCD displays are full-featured, budget-friendly UHD

displays offered in 55, 65, 75, 86, and 98-inch sizes. Ideal for meeting rooms and retail applications, Christie Access II Series is a plug-and-play solution offering professional features such as the latest connectivity, OPS slot and USB playback. Christie Access II Series are also ADAcompliant with an ultra-thin depth. Control is via RS2322, Ethernet, Crestron Connected, or CEC. Christie Extreme Series LCD panels offer a combined 0.88mm bezel width to create near-seamless video walls. The Christie Extreme Series FHD554-XZ and FHD554XZ-R (with remote power) feature an OPS slot and accept a variety of embedded processing modules for a complete video wall solution perfect for critical viewing environments. Christie Extreme Series displays are ADA-compliant with a depth of less than four inches and are available in a range of brightness levels.

The LED Active 3D option for the Christie MicroTiles LED line was designed for a flicker-free 3D experience. Using active shuttered 3D glasses, users can view 3D content at 120Hz (60Hz per eye) at a 1.25mm pixel pitch.

Combined with MicroTiles’ high-brightness and P3 cinema-quality color, Christie MicroTiles LED Active 3D is suitable for even demanding 3D installations such as aerospace, automotive, military, and themed entertainment. With Active 3D, Christie MicroTiles LED displays 4K UHD content at 120 frames per second at 1000 nits brightness via a Christie

Link E1000-3D video wall controller. Coupled with Christie MicroTiles LED design flexibility, including inside and outside corners up to 90-degrees and convex and concave curves, the display can be customized to suit anywhere from CAVEs to control rooms. The cabinet-free Click-n-Go LED tiles can be arranged seamlessly in near limitless ways. An innovative ADA-compliant QuickMount system lets you quickly build a display in virtually any shape or size. And the intuitive, easy-to-use web-based control interface can be accessed from any connected device.

In February, Datapath Aligo launched—an AVoIP technology that allows different video resolutions to be shared across different network bandwidths, simultaneously.

Aligo works seamlessly with Datapath’s latest Aetria control room solution, giving users a single interface for versatile display layouts and content management. According to Datapath, Aligo allows users to connect and share video sources in any resolution without affecting the original quality. The new technology provides 4K content across a 10G network and compressed streams on 1G infrastructure at the same time, delivering flexibility in content distribution with sub-millisecond latency. The cur-

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TECH SHOWCASE Digital Projection Radiance

Datapath Aligo

rent product range includes the Aligo QTX100 quad 4K transmitter and the Aligo RX100, a single 4K receiver with quad HD outputs.

The Digital Projection Radiance line of direct-view LED display solutions encompasses four distinct platforms. The Performance Series includes a pixel pitch range from 0.7mm to 4.0mm with brightness up to 1,500 nits, refresh rates up to 3900Hz, and broad color gamut performance, reaching over 93 percent REC2020 color standard. The VX Series offers LED performance at a lower entry cost, covering the 1.2mm to 2.5mm range. The RCS Series has a reconfigurable panel design that can be flown, groundstacked, or permanently installed with pixel pitches of 2.6mm and 2.9mm. DPI also offers an Outdoor Series of all-weather-rated LED panels ranging from 2.9mm to 16mm for digital signage or outdoor media.

In February, LG Business Solutions launched 25 new pre-configured DVLED display models in 16:9 and 32:9 Ultra Stretch formats for both indoor and outdoor installations. These new offerings aim to simplify DVLED display by offering a complete lineup of fully configured displays and backing all of them with service and support. Each DVLED display includes all display components, display accessories, spare parts and modules, and a 4K LG DVLED con-

troller—delivered in wheeled flight cases for easy transport. The LG webOS-based 4K controller features a quadcore SoC, built-in media player, LG’s remote control, 3.6GB of flash storage, and an AV-overIP decoder for displaying multiple streams. Its built-in scaling functionality allows users to adjust resolution up or down in various areas of the finished display. LG DVLED displays also support screen sharing via Miracast, and WiDi wireless display connectivity. The new LG DVLED displays come in various indoor and outdoor models in a variety of sizes from 81 to 578 inches diagonal and resolutions from 2K to 8K. The LG MAGNIT Micro LED digital signage solution, features the company’s new proprietary Black Coating technology as well as streamlined installation with its unique block-assembly design. The display technology features self-emissive micrometer-scale pixels applied directly to the substrate board, for sharper images with improved contrast and a wider viewing angle. Featuring LG’s webOS smart signage platform for navigation and control of the many useful functions, including features and presets, LG MAGNIT picture quality

is boosted by an AI-powered α (Alpha) image processor found in high-end LG TVs that intelligently analyzes content and source and automatically optimizes visual output in real-time.

Each Micro LED cabinet measures only 600W x 337.5H x 44.9D mm and links to other cabinets, allowing technicians to quickly erect largescale display on site. The ability to smoothly send and receive signals wirelessly is due to LG’s non-contact connector technology. LG’s blockassembly design allows power to be sent to each cabinet via pin connectors located on the edges of the LED cabinet hub. LG MAGNIT cuts the time needed for cable management, with only a few wires on the back of the displays to link the cabinets to system controllers and power mains.

The Matrox QuadHead2Go multi-monitor controller appliance is a competitive, effective option for video walls up to four displays. It can drive four displays of any configuration at any dimension from one signal from any source, either as a system-independent appliance or in single-slot card forms. On-device buttons and pre-set configurations support easy installation.

The included Matrox PowerWall software offers

LG Business Solutions

LG MAGNIT

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M

Y

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TECH SHOWCASE

Matrox QuadHead2Go an intuitive way to configure the latest emerging, artistic, and innovative video walls. The controller supports Full HD displays from a single 4Kp60 video signal at RGB 8:8:8 and YUV 4:4:4. Each output can have its own resolution, be independently rotated (90, 180, and 270 degrees), cropped, upscaled, downscaled, and positioned anywhere, and controlled and updated from anywhere on the LAN. The controllers are compatible with professional-grade graphics cards with native DisplayPort 1.2 support—no adapter required.

The Matrox D-Series D1450 multi-display graphics card is a new single-slot, quad 4K/60 HDMI graphics card that enables OEMs, system integrators, and AV installers to easily combine multiple D1450 boards to quickly deploy high-density-output video walls of up to 16 synchronized 4K displays. Supported with video wall software and developer tools for advanced custom control and application development, D1450 is designed for a broad range of commercial and critical 24/7 applications, including control rooms, enterprises, industries, government, military, digital signage, and broadcast.

The Mitsubishi LM55P4 is the latest iteration of Mitsubishi Electric’s flagship 55” professional-grade LCD

CD1726_Those Who Know_Video Walls_Print Ads_Jan 2021_AVT and SVC_8-5 x 5.pdf 1 15/01/2021 16:08:31

monitor; it claims a significantly improved visual experience when used in video wall applications thanks to the greatly reduced bezel width compared to earlier versions, at 0.44mm.

The LM55P4 is Full HD (1920x1080 pixel) for 100,000 hours operation. It is equipped with an OPS slot for extended functionality and features DisplayPort (1.2a), HDMI (HDR supported), DVID (with HDCP) and analog video inputs. Monitors can be daisy-chained together

Matrox D-Series

TECH SHOWCASE

Nanolumens Engage Series

Mitsubishi LM55P4

via DisplayPort to create simple video wall applications with no external controller required.

With the company’s thinnest profile and lowest pixel pitch range, the Nanolumens Engage Series was engineered to transform indoor environments without compromising infrastructure. Engage Series displays range in pitch from 0.93mm to 2.5mm and can be installed and serviced from the front. The Engage Series is designed to provide a high-impact visual experience at a more attainable price and comes backed by the company’s six-year warranty.

The Engage line uses common cathode architecture to reduce power consumption and is built with cabinets that possess a native 16:9 aspect ratio, so display owners can import and display HD, 4K, and all other 16:9 content without any reformatting issues The Neoti Affinity Pro all-in-one video display was designed with ease-of-use in mind.

With a built-in OS, speakers, touchscreen,

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Optoma QUADZilla

standard inputs, and wireless sharing, it’s a plug and play LED display. Available in 110” (1.2mm), 138” (1.5mm), and 165” (1.9mm), the Affinity Pro is easy to assemble with a single power cord and standard USB and HDMI inputs. The Affinity Pro can be wall-mounted for permanent installation or on wheel mounts for mobility. It can be used as a wayfinding sign in a lobby, a digital whiteboard in a classroom, a presentation display in a boardroom, or a backdrop in a studio. The Affinity Pro provides users with maximum usage flexibility and minimum set-up.

The Optoma QUADZilla FHDQ163 Direct View LED delivers 600 nits and 163-inch imagery with a simple three-step assembly process. The full HD 1080p FHDQ163 display features a slim detachable bezel, allowing integrators to combine multiple displays and create large-scale installations. With a 1.9mm pixel pitch, 4K UHD input compatibility, and QUAD LED technology, the display has a unique 4-in-1 Surface Mount Diode (SMD) layout, allowing for a smoother screen surface and a 170-degree wideviewing angle for comfortable viewing from any point in the room. Featuring built-in Calibre HQUltra 4K image-processing technology, the 163- inch QUAD LED display delivers fast image switching and scaling to provide a high-quality picture with low-latency video processing.

Optimized for seamless collaboration, the display wirelessly

connects up to four devices for simultaneous images, document and screen sharing via the Optoma TapCast Pro app, and users can wirelessly upload content and control the display via the Fusion Connect app. In addition, the On Screen Display provides easy access to display settings and functions for control directly with the included remote. The display also features an ECO friendly <0.5W standby mode.

The Peerless-AV SEAMLESS Kitted Series of dvLED Video Wall Mounts are designed exclusively for leading direct view LED display manufacturers, providing spacesaving designs for multiple configurations.

With integrated cable management, easy-hang hardware and a lightweight aluminum frame, integrators can quickly and easily build a video wall. Peerless-AV also offers start to finish support through the SEAMLESS dvLED Video Wall Integration Program. The most recent mounts support Absen’s Direct

Neoti Affinity Pro

TECH SHOWCASE

View LED Displays (Acclaim, Acclaim Plus, Acclaim Pro and Icon Series); Barco XT Series Direct View LED Display; LG LAS Series Direct View LED Displays. Each Kitted Series model has its own specifications and configurations. The modular design of each model offers unlimited video wall display configurations, and includes height and depth adjustment to help overcome installation irregularities, assure the dvLED pixels are aligned, and to guarantee that the entire mount creates one flat plane, regardless of wall imperfections.

The Planar TVF Series is a family of fine pitch LED video wall displays available in 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 and 2.5 millimeter pixel pitches.

With a 27-inch, slim profile display cabinet, the Planar TVF Series features front serviceability

cent compared to the 1.2mm model. In February, Planar announced integration with Planar WallDirector Video Controller and Planar WallDirector Software to add secure video processing capabilities, video wall control, and management. The company is also enhancing and expanding Planar TVF Peerless-AV Complete to include a new SEAMLESS Double Full HD 198-inch and a creative, stackable model aimed at the popular design that eliminates cabinet-to-cabiwide-view configuration for conference net cabling and reduces the complexity of installation and vertical alignment. Featuring rooms and board rooms.

The Prysm Laser Phosphor Display (LPD) a 16:9 aspect ratio, Planar TVF Series allows every pixel pitch to achieve popular resolutions 6K Series 225” is claimed as the world’s largand provides clear, crisp images at nearly every est seamless interactive display. At 225 inches angle and viewing distance. The Planar TVF diagonal—which is 20 feet wide by 5 feet 0.9 increases the pixel count by nearly 78 per- high—and 6K image resolution, the LPD 6K

Explore Tomorrow, Together.

Acclaim Plus Series

N Plus Series

Absen’s direct view LED display solutions bring the action of the game to you!

Whether it watching a basketball game or a League of Legends match, Absen has the perfect solution that gets you into the game.

Contact info@usabsen.com for more information

TECH SHOWCASE Prysm Laser Phosphor Display

Planar TVF Series

Series interactive display offers a panoramic documents, presentations, and images as well image uninterrupted by seams or bezels. The as input from laptops and mobile devices.

The RGB Spectrum QuadPlex splitter flexible, impact-resistant surface offers smooth interaction with 32 simultaneous touchpoints appliance works with all RGB Spectrum video and can be viewed at any distance and at any wall processors to significantly increase the size angle without eye fatigue. The latest LPD is of its video walls. The new unit couples with energy efficient, shatter resistant, and offers existing video wall processors to quadruple the rollability for transport. The new modular number of outputs to support LCD and LED design helps speed display integration and walls. The MediaWall V embedded processor permits installation in a variety of locations. enables users to increase video wall size up to The durable front screen, made of a specially 96 displays. For the Galileo PC processor, it coated polycarbonate layer, is rolled into a cyl- means an increase of up to 96 displays. And for inder for easy transport. Thanks to this feature, the Zio W4000 processor, it means an increase integrators can negotiate tight corners and enter of up to 64 displays. The Quadplex unit is availthrough standard doors and passenger elevators able as an external box for the MediaWall V and during setup. This large-format display comes as either a PC-board or an external box for use optionally bundled with the Prysm Applica- with the Galileo and Zio W4000 processors.

The Rose Electronics UltraVista 4K60 tion Suite, a digital workplace platform controller supports an HDMI input that brings people, content, and ideas resolution of up to 4K at 60Hz (YUV together. The platform displays RGB Spectrum 4:4:4). Each of the four DVI/HDMI streaming video, web applications, QuadPlex outputs has an independent controllable display area that can be resized, rotated, positioned, and scaled. Stereo audio output is provided. The unit learns EDID from

Samsung Wall for Business

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the default resolution table, or from direct connection. Controller software is included and is connected with the USB or Ethernet ports. Units can be cascaded for larger video wall and control desk applications. The versatile front panel allows instant changing between standard or custom configurations. With UltraVista Plus a vertical 4x1, horizontal 1x4, or 2x2 video wall can be created, making it a powerful tool for constructing or supplementing video wall systems.

The Samsung Wall for Business is a modular, large-format indoor MicroLED that can now extend up to 583 inches while delivering high brightness, contrast, and viewing angles.

The flexibility of the modularity allows users to customize The Wall to a variety of sizes and designs to fit customized needs. The display’s self-emitting MicroLED pixel modules produce clear imagery free of color filters or backlighting and envelope viewers through elevated peak brightness and a near-infinite contrast ratio. The display has a slim depth with a seamless, flush surface allowing it to blend into the wall when not in use. With numerous applications, including lobbies, art exhibitions, hotels, retail spaces, Rose and more, The Wall for BusiElectronics UltraVista 4K60

TECH SHOWCASE Sharp NEC Message

Sony Crystal LED

ness is designed to provide a dramatiic aesthetic complement in multiple settings.

The Sony Crystal LED direct view display system delivers high contrast, thanks to a 99-percent black surface area using ultrafine LEDs, precise color reproduction, and a 180-degree viewing angle. The technology is currently used in professional applications including corporate showrooms, retail, R&D centers, museums, auditoriums, and studios with installations across the world. Its modular nature enables the Crystal LED display to accommodate virtually any size or aspect ratio. Sony’s Crystal LED display system is available in a portrait configuration, optimized for lobby, boardroom, and reception environments, further showcasing the display’s versatility, impact, and applicability in the corporate market.

At the beginning of March, the Sharp NEC MultiSync Message Series was announced.

The series features displays from the ME, M and MA Series. The new reframed portfolio provides an ultra-high definition and commercially focused display lineup optimized for digital signage applications while also containing modular expandability. Introduced in December, the ME Series comes at a cost-conscious price point for both portrait and landscape applications. The M Series includes all features of the ME Series, but allowing for 24/7 runtime capabilities; a 500 cd/m2 anti-reflective, high haze panel and integrated ambient light sensor optimize visual impact and clarity depending on different in-room lighting conditions.

All M series products come in a range of sizes include a full metal chassis, carrying handles, and integrated cooling fans, allowing for easier installation, a more ruggedized feel, and greater insurance of maintaining consistent image quality. The MA Series is the flagship with Wide Color Gamut and anti-reflective panels

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combined with NEC’s proprietary SpectraView Engine. This color management technology was originally developed for NEC’s color-critical desktop monitors; behind-the-scenes luminance stabilization technology ensures the display has a consistent image output for a longer period of time compared to traditional commercial displays. A key feature of the MA Series is its robust connectivity selection and expanded

daisy chaining capabilities with 8K support via HDMI or DisplayPort SST and MST. In the fall, tvONE announced major enhancements to its tvOne CORIOmaster video wall processing systems including CORIOmaster (C3-540), CORIOmaster mini (C3510), and CORIOmaster micro (C3-503). The new enhancements include a new keying module, synchronized media playback, as well as a

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TECH SHOWCASE ViewSonic LD216-251

tvOne CORIOmaster

free to download, firmware update which adds other enhancements including EDID management, FTP media upload, and AES IP stream decoding. tvONE is also releasing the latest version of its user-friendly video wall design software, CORIOgrapher, which is compatible with all CORIOmaster products including the new CORIOmaster2 (CM2- 547). In addition, synchronized playback is now available through the dual 4K streaming and media input modules. This allows users to simultaneously play up to eight reliable, synchronized media clips onto ultra-wide video canvasses. It also allows users to get creative and go beyond 4K resolutions for expanse video belts in broadcast studios, corporate lobbies, and live events to entertain and boost revenues. In addition, the dual 4K streaming modules also have universal low latency IP decoding, allowing users to use the IP encoder of their choice. Alongside the CORIOmaster enhancements, a fully unified version of tvONE’s CORIOgrapher video wall software is now available and offers full backwards compatibility with all CORIOmaster units, including the new CORIOmaster2. The company also released updates to the CORIOmaster control app. This update adds REST and websockets capability to CORIOmaster to allow connection via HTTP and HTTPS for secure communication. The popular macro feature is still available for connections via TCP. Parallel connections from multiple devices (App, CORIOgrapher) to a single CORIOmaster is now possible with the new update.

In addition, upgrades have been made to the Crestron Control module. New features include the ability to route sources to windows, recall presets, and Canvas level audio adjustment including mute and volume control. This enhanced development evolves from the previous module, by enabling REST based control facilitating multiple connections to the CORIO-

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LD108-121 and the LD216-251 are compatible master from a range of control clients.

In January, the ViewSonic LD108-121 with Crestron, Extron, and AMX automated and LD216-251 launched, expanding View- control systems.

VuWall’s VuTrex is a hybrid technology Sonic’s line of direct view LED displays. The 108-inch LD108-121 and the 216-inch LD216- designed to bridge AV, IT, and IP systems to 251 are all-in-one display solutions designed manage and control any visual content across for professional-grade, 24/7 operation in large any type of display or video wall. VuTrex is now venues, higher education campuses, and other embedded in each component of the VuWall environments. The LD108-121 and the LD216- ecosystem of products, and its standards-based 251 deliver content without lines or distortion, approach enables interoperability among all ensuring one continuous and smooth image. devices. VuTrex is the architecture and methThe LD216-121 is 1.2mm pixel pitch Full HD odology that is at the core of every software (120% Rec.709) at 500 nits with a 4400Hz component in the VuWall ecosystem, bringing refresh; the LD216-251is 2.5mm, Full HD efficiency to the entire video wall management (120% Rec.709) at 600 nits with a 4400Hz workflow. VuTrex is responsible for the ecorefresh. Both direct view LED displays are system’s interoperability, expandability, and composed of several pre-assembled cabinets simple configuration, without the need for proand multiple LED modules for easy installa- gramming. The release of TRx 3.0, VuWall’s tion. When installed, each individual module Centralized Management Platform, will be the auto-configures and calibrates its location and first-to-market offering of a single software setting values within the display as a singular platform that can distribute AV-over-IP conunit. This eliminates the need for complicated tent and provide advanced video wall manageset-up processes–all that is needed is to turn on ment and control. Its redesigned architecture, the display. Both displays may be installed eas- powered by VuTrex technology, can manage ily with two people and within two hours. An multiple sources in any source format and route embedded SoC platform delivers an innovative them to single displays or multiple video walls, viewing experience, by simplifying installation without any programming. VuTrex is also and maintenance, so there is no need for exter- embedded in VuWall’s hardware components, including its flagship VuScape video wall nal devices to communicate with a server. controller and the VuStream series of With remote configuration and content encoders and decoders. management system support, both the VuWall’s VuTrex

BIG CANVAS

SoFi Stadium gets the biggest LED videoboard in sports

By Cynthia Wisehart

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t weighs 22 million pounds and fills 70,000 square feet with 80 million pixels for end-to-end 4K. It rises 122 feet above the action and at 120 yards long it is 1.2 times longer and 1.5 times wider than the field. Its design/structure is the first-of-its-kind, making it the only dual-sided, centerhung videoboard. It’s largest panel is about 40 feet or four stories tall; its smallest panel is almost 20 feet or two stories tall. It was installed in pandemic.

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Like Touchdown Jesus or winter at Lambeau, the videoboard at SoFi will become part of a long tradition of stadium icons and defining fan experiences—but with a modern, digital AV twist. Rams and Chargers fans who grow up at SoFi will be part of the first radically digital stadium experience, one that’s built into the bones of the building and the view from every seat. It’s a big responsibility for the content creators who will fill those screens. But for now, the first historic accomplishment is already done—the icon is built.

Behind the HKS-designed, all-Samsung system is the first and only 4K end-to-end video production system in a stadium. Pixels are spaced 8 millimeters from center-tocenter and can be uniquely or congruently programmed with statistics, live and/or animated content. The different sizes of the video panels are designed to serve spectators in every seat, from the sideline to the upper deck. Fans sitting in the lower bowl of the stadium will view the inside of the ­v ideoboard as it sits directly across from their line of view, while guests in the upper bowl will view the outer panels of the videoboard.

Built into the ­v ideoboard is a state-of-theart JBL audio system with more than 260 of the stadium’s total 4,500 loudspeakers. The videoboard sound system accounts for half a million of the 1.3 million watts of the Crown Audio amplification in the venue, which was expressly designed to be equally powerful as a sports stadium and concert venue. The BSS networked digital signal processing audio system includes 852 audio inputs and 852 outputs in addition to more than 5,000 potential networked audio feeds.

For Mark Quiroz, Samsung’s Display Division VP of Marketing, the project is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for fanship and career to converge. As a lifelong Rams fan, he’d like to see the inside of the stadium (we all would) but he can already visualize the potential of this historic display. As much to the point, he understands the commitment of the Samsung teams responsible for fabricating and installing the massive LED canvas.

He’s not just talking marketing when he points out that this is the kind of thing Samsung is uniquely qualified to do. “We asked the ownership and architects what they would

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dream of,” he says of how the conversation started. “What was the aspiration for the fan experience?” The goal was a combination of architectural integration and an ultra level engagement for fans.

“It was really around thinking ahead. Over the next couple decades. How would this be augmented as future technologies came online—not just the screens, but in the environment and the entire park, and beyond?

From our perspective we gave the organization a visual canvas and enabled them to deliver and paint whatever experience they wanted from there.

“You can have a big gaudy screen and it will do the job,” he says, but the Rams/Chargers organizations had a much more ambitious goal than that. The result seems to usher in a new way of looking at the integration of AV features and architecture. “It’s integrated into the whole being of the facility, and it’s also really functional and practical too. There’s a lot of pride being involved with this.

“The biggest worry was getting it up there,” Quiroz continues. “Because you’re talking about 2 million pounds of video board and steel that you had to lift. The teams were lifting at an inch increment at a time. The key moment was seeing that once it was up there, the integrity of the screens held. All of that 4K content can be delivered without any latency, and calibrated across the entire surface. If it wasn’t, that would have been noticeable,” he understates.

“The Samsung LED technology represented in the videoboard at SoFi Stadium is unlike anything fans have ever experienced,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “The design as well as the board’s video and audio capa-

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bilities are the first of their kind in sports and will set a new precedent for the in-stadium experience.”

“The monitor is designed to activate the entire seating bowl and is unprecedented in the world of sports and entertainment,” said Mark A. Williams, FAIA, principal HKS. “The display is shaped to extend the field of play, allowing the 360-degree, two-sided board to provide every seat location and fan an unparalleled experience in content and viewing options.”

Additional Samsung technology is represented throughout Hollywood Park, con-

necting fans across the district’s residential, office, and retail areas through Hollywood Park’s connected mobile app.

“As sports and concerts begin to come back, stadiums need to deliver a new kind of experience to their guests every time they step into the venue, something that also provides customers with safety information and overall peace of mind,” says Samsung Display VP Brett Unzicker. “At Samsung we understand how using the latest technology in digital signage can help partners like Samsung not only elevate the overall fan experience, but also ensure that safety is top of mind to all.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP MULTI-SITE AND MULTI-PURPOSE SYSTEMS SUPPORT THE FUTURE

* I NCLUDING D&B AUDIOTECHNIK • LIVEU • SHURE

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TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

NEW NORMAL 2Stone Church, a thriving multi-site congregation serving the Atlanta metro area, is radically rethinking worship for not only the COVID-19 crisis but also into the post-pandemic era. The church’s innovative “12Stone Home” initiative is a creative fusion of remote streaming and in-person worship.

A new Meyer Sound LEOPARD reinforcement system was designed for those flexible needs and to provide a powerful experience for a hybrid audience. The system is flown inside the main worship auditorium at 12Stone’s Sugarloaf campus, where a rapid renovation last summer reconfigured the 900-capacity room to serve as a hybrid combination of live worship space and video production studio. With the old pointsource system already slated for replacement, a new LEOPARD-based solution was the obvious choice as new LEOPARD arrays already had been installed at four other 12Stone campuses.

“We went with LEOPARD because we’re so accustomed to it,” says Taylor Davis, production director for the church. “It’s part of our audio

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DNA at this point. But for this new ministry, it also gives us extraordinary flexibility. We have enough LEOPARD elements and subwoofers to change the room to in-the-round with four arrays. It makes us very nimble, so we can work in any room configuration. In fact, all the production in here is touring-style, with portable decking so we can turn the room or put the stage at center.”

In its current iteration, the room has three distinct areas, with a cafe teaching environment on one side, a performance area center, and a living room teaching environment for the pastor’s teaching on the other side.

Established in 1997 as Crossroads Community Church by Founding Senior Pastor Kevin Myers, and officially renamed in 2007, 12Stone is among the fastest-growing churches in the country with pre-pandemic weekly in-person attendance of over 9,000 at multiple services across all campuses.

When the pandemic lockdown hit last summer, the 12Stone produc-

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

tion staff worked with systems integrator Clark, headquartered in nearby Alpharetta, to get new technologies up and running at speed. “It was critical that the new concept get up and running so church members felt connected,” says Luke Roetman of Clark. “Meyer Sound partnered with us to move quickly, so we had everything in place inside four weeks.”

Prior to the pandemic, 12Stone had broadcast most services from the Lawrenceville campus, but for the new 12Stone Home format, production shifted to Sugarloaf to leverage the greater technical flexibility.

“When we had to close down our campuses and push everything online, we had to reinvent how we do ministry,” says Davis. “We realized we wanted to build a space more conducive and focused on an intimate experience, one that breaks down the walls. But once we could come together we wanted to have the energy of the people gathered in the room. It’s a delicate balancing act every week.”

“This campus was rebuilt with 12Stone Home in mind,” adds Audio Director Dennis Frazier, “but we wanted to make sure those who now can come in person — about one third capacity currently — receive a top-notch experience. It’s an important part of the broadcast for them to react to the teaching with applause or laughter, and our new LEOPARD system certainly helps ensure they have the best possible listening experience.

In its current end-on configuration, the system comprises nine LEOPARD compact line array loudspeakers per side, with two 900-LFC low-frequency control elements flown behind each main array. Seven 1100-LFC elements are on the ground with two ULTRA-X40 as side fills and six UP-4slim as front fills. Clark’s Tom Donohue supervised the system design with final tuning

by Clark’s Ed Crippen.

According to Frazier, improvements realized by the new system were noteworthy. “I could immediately tell a difference in 8 kHz and above. The clarity without harshness is incredible.

Also, the low end is tight and responsive. The 1100-LFCs gave me exactly what wanted in terms of punch without being overwhelming.”

With the new system at the Sugarloaf campus now online, 12Stone now has LEOPARD line array systems at all five larger locations, with two smaller campuses utilizing Meyer Sound point source systems.

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MATCHED VENUES hrist Fellowship Miami has been the area’s multi-generational, multi-cultural and multi-location church for over a century. In that time, it has grown to six South Florida locations plus an online presence. Three of those sites—Palmetto Bay, Doral, and downtown Miami—have recently become showcases for the flexibility and scalability that a well-integrated sound system can bring to multi-campus houses of worship.

The new installations, all designed and integrated by Colorado-based Summit Integrated Systems, accommodate various worship-space configurations and types, while still offering the ease of maintenance and operation, plus the consistency of audio quality of a single sound system across all three campuses.

Christ Fellowship Miami Multisite Production Director Garrett Siljee oversees all AVL-related matters for the church, including campus technology design planning and tech staffing. “One of my primary responsibilities is crafting the weekend experiences at all of our locations, and sound is a big part of that,” he notes.

Siljee says he was first introduced to L-Acoustics at a product demo staged at South Florida’s Miccosukee Resort & Gaming venue, where the K1, K2, and Kara systems “just blew me away with their clarity, sound quality, and depth,” he says. “And I was impressed by how the sound was so much bigger than the boxes that made it. We invited Sum-

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mit Integrated Systems to demo a Kara system for our leadership and staff here at our Palmetto Bay location and they were all very impressed with the sound quality as well.”

Systems for the Palmetto Bay, Doral, and downtown Miami campuses were designed by Summit using L-Acoustics Soundvision modeling software. “The church wanted a high-output sound system in all of its locations, to support its music and high-energy worship style,” says Summit Director of Projects Deron Yevoli. “Kara can go everywhere this church wants to go because it’s the most flexible PA system available. It’s compact, powerful, and it covers well.”

Speaking of coverage, the concrete walls at Christ Fellowship Miami’s 500-seat Doral location nicely keep the roar of nearby Miami International Airport at bay, but their reflective surfaces can present an acoustic challenge. Thankfully, Kara’s directivity was ideal for keeping sound focused on the audience and, just as importantly, off of the walls. The Doral campus’ new system comprises 12 Karai enclosures flown across two arrays, with eight floor-mounted SB18 subs, plus eight ultra-compact 5XT and two short-throw X8 deployed as outfills. All are powered by one LA12X and four LA4X amplified controllers.

The nearby Palmetto Bay campus, which features a more traditional Baptist-type church design, also serves as Christ Fellowship’s broadcast

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP center. Here, 24 Karai are now divided and flown in four hangs, with 12 SB18 subs on the floor, a dozen 5XT as frontfills, and eight X12 for delay, all powered by a 12 LA4X. The downtown Miami location, a former cathedral that is now being renovated, is the largest of the three sites Summit has worked on with Christ Fellowship. Scheduled to open by Christmas 2021, the church’s third campus will feature an L-Acoustics system and comprises 18 Kara II and eight KS21i subs. In addition, eight 5XT provide frontfill while six X8 serve as underbalcony fills. The subs are powered by one LA12X, while seven LA4X drive the rest of the loudspeakers.

“Multisite churches tend to want to have cookie-cutter buildings so that the look and the sound are the same everywhere, but that’s not easy to do in the Miami area, where the rents and the costs to own are so high,” Siljee explains. “Having the L-Acoustics systems sound very differently in each location was my biggest initial concern. Even though none of these spaces are at all similar, Kara provides very consistent sound for all of the rooms we’ve heard them in.”

Yevoli points out that having a common and familiar system in each location makes training and operations easier for staff and volunteers. “They don’t have a lot of production staff, so we’ve encouraged them to standardize on key technology systems across as many locations as possible,” he says. “We believe that saves time and money in the long run.”

Siljee adds that the church also appreciated the manufacturer’s attention to customer care. “The L-Acoustics team came to work with us to do the final tuning of each system, and the church responds well to that kind of personal interaction,” he explains.

“What everyone, including our membership, has commented on is that the sound no longer hurts. Our old system was very harsh sounding; the new Kara system is anything but. Now, our churches can create the kind of energetic worship experiences we want and it sounds great. Kara turned complaints into compliments.”

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TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

SENSE OF PLACE hen the Almería City Orchestra began preparations for their annual Christmas Concert they realized that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the venue would need to be different from previous years. However, through the utilization of d&b Soundscape, the original venue was reimagined in the minds of those in attendance.

Almería City Orchestra (OCAL) had chosen to perform Handel’s Messiah for its annual Christmas concert, a musical fixture on a large scale with chorus, soloists, and full orchestra. The concert would normally take place in the city’s fortress cathedral, a historic venue originally built in 1524 with influences of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, providing a stunning visual backdrop as well as unique acoustic qualities.

With COVID-19 safety concerns, the show’s production team realized that they would not to be able go ahead with the show in the cathedral as originally planned, and were forced to move to a larger, safer venue — the Auditorium Maestro Padilla — in order to still bring the performance to the city of Almería.

Intent on providing audiences with the same experience as years before, the production team set about recreating the atmosphere and overall acoustic dynamics of the city’s cathedral in the auditorium.

“The challenge was to transform the Auditorium Maestro Padilla into a cathedral, visually, acoustically and through scent, while maintaining the safety recommendations and the highest level of performance,” commented Mercedes Oliver, General Manager, OCAL and Producer of the event.

The team involved looked to a d&b Soundscape system based around the T-Series to recreate the sound experience of the fortress cathedral inside the auditorium. d&b Soundscape is powered by the DS100 Signal Engine, a revolutionary audio system processor based on a Dante enabled signal matrix and provides unparalleled creativity through its two software modules En-Scene and En-Space.

“The immersive sound was a new element that helped us achieve the desired atmosphere,” continued Oliver. “The exceptional performance by the musicians was supported by just the right amount of reverberation to contextualize the work of a religious building in a sensory way.”

Chelius Salmeron, Mixing Engineer agreed stating “I was lost for words. Immersive sound, video mapping and incense created a cathedral around us.” d&b En-Scene is a sound object positioning tool allowing the individual placement and movement of up to 64 sound objects. It accurately depicts stage scenarios so that each sound object corresponds both visually and acoustically. d&b En-Space is an in-line room emulation tool

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which creates and modifies reverberation signatures for any space.

These reverberation signatures are emulations derived from acoustic measurements of nine internationally-renowned performance venues and convolved within the audio processor. The production team used a 180° En-Scene set up in the venue, which when combined with En-Space helped recreate the acoustic environment of the cathedral as well as an immersive, controlled sound experience.

“The orchestra is used to performing unamplified and it was important to interfere as little as possible with this transparency. Soundscape helped us to create a natural sounding space without sacrifice,” remarked Juanma de Casas, EAS Manager, d&b audiotechnik Iberia. “Secondly, Soundscape’s acoustic emulation software enabled us to achieve our main objective, which was to simulate a cathedral environment in an entirely different space acoustically. Combining this with the visual sensation of video-mapping the cathedral’s interior onto five surface areas of the auditorium made for an incredible result.

While the audience may have been seated in a different venue than usual, the acoustic environment felt familiar.

“From the moment the audience entered the stalls you could feel the excitement,” commented Luis Lopez, Director, Producción Técnica TJL. “This is an integrated show, where the audio, lighting and the visual go hand in hand, here the coordinated work of the whole company, the sound department and the video department, resulted in an impressive show.”

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

LANDMARK SOUND

multi-million pound restoration project at St John at Hackney Church, London was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in collaboration with designer John Pawson CBE (Abbey of our Lady of Nový Dvůr/Design Museum), acclaimed visual artist Es Devlin and architects Thomas Ford & Partners.

A cherished landmark, the Grade II listed St John at Hackney Church was established in 1275 and has been part of the East London community ever since. A church in the traditional sense, since 2010 the venue has welcomed major artists such as Robbie Williams, Florence Welch, Jamie XX, Benjamin Clementine, Bloc Party, Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sandé.

The aim of the restoration project was to create one of London’s premium live event spaces: a ‘Cathedral of Creativity.’ The demands of this ambition, combined with working in a historic listed building, made for a challenging installation. Getting the right team together was at the heart of the brief and working with internationally renowned designer John Pawson on the architecture, the project needed to apply the same level of detail and discretion to the tech.

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“The Shure brand has been synonymous with pro audio for the last 50 years,” explained project production manager Ben Musson. “I had used the Shure ULXD previously and had found it really reliable, and easy to work with.

“Having previously used ULXD, the Axient [wireless microphone] range was a natural next step. What I found particularly impressive was its efficiency in the frequency spectrum, and with the RF it can gather through the antennas. This meant that we were able to push the limit on placement, keeping them out of sight and as discreet as possible.

“We use Axient receivers on our production network. This means we are able to remote control the units over our network via Workbench.

My favorite feature is an extension of this remote capability within our mixing console. On the preamp page on the Allen & Heath Dlive, we are able to see the RF Strength, Battery life, Receiver name, and also remote control the gain level of the receiver. This has got to be the neatest party trick, where normally, without using Workbench or being at the receiver, the engineer would only have access to a Dante trim level, or an analog gain from the receiver into the desk – but to actually gain the wireless mic, this is life changing.”

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

ACCESSIBLE SWITCHING

ife Church, an outreach-driven church in Wesley Chapel, Florida, has installed Analog Way’s Pulse 4K multi-layer video mixer and presentation switcher to power a new LED videowall in the sanctuary.

A new product from Analog Way, the Pulse 4K is uniquely suited to the worship market with features like scaling, seamless switching, and low latency at cost-effective price point.

The 4K60 multi-layer video mixer and seamless presentation switcher has ten inputs, two active outputs plus a dedicated multiviewer output. It features advanced VFX and audio processing, eight concurrent 4K still images, ultra-low latency processing and flexible control options.

Technology solutions provider AVnew, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, served as the integrator for Life Church. “They wanted to enhance their stage presence for the worship experience and decided on a 36 x 18-foot Thor AV 3.9mm LED videowall as a backdrop,” explains Gil Parente, CEO and Owner of AVnew. “They needed a processor that could handle the videowall’s custom resolution, offer multiple layers for PIPs, be user friendly for the operators and cost-efficient.”

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Steve Mink, Production Director at Life Church who heads a technical staff of three, says that the church used standard video projectors prior to acquiring the LED videowall. The sanctuary has approximately 1,200 seats, which were filled to 80-90 percent of capacity on any given Sunday prior to the coronavirus. “The videowall communicates to the whole sanctuary, from the stage platform to the back wall about 135 feet away – a deep viewing area. Content is bigger and easier to read for teaching and speaking, and the videowall enables us to create a more immersive atmosphere around the songs. As soon as we got the wall and put content up we saw how it pulled the back of the room forward to make everyone in the sanctuary feel part of the content.”

The new LED videowall displays looping motion video backgrounds during the worship portion of a service. Content is also created inhouse relating to sermons or holidays, such as a short video that was recorded for Christmas Eve. Supporting a full contemporary band, with 10-12 vocalists, which fills musical needs during services, the videowall displays lyrics, generic motion video backgrounds, and custom content with lyrics embedded.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WORSHIP

PRODUCTS

SHURE AXIENT DIGITAL Shure’s flagship wireless solution debuted in 2017 and has since become the choice of the most demanding broadcast and live events in the world. It provides flexible high-performance RF with stability and spectral efficiency, audio quality, command and control, and hardware scalability. Axient Digital features a receiver that is compatible with its two transmitter offerings—AD Series and ADX Series. The ADX Series transmitters incorporate ShowLink which provides real-time control of all transmitter parameters with RF interference detection and avoidance. It also includes the first mirco-bodypack.

It features true digital diversity with Quadversity receiver technology, significantly mitigating potential for signal fades or interference that can cause dropouts, especially in RF signal-to-noise challenged environment. It has a 20Hz to 20 kHz range with a flat frequency response and accurate transient response. It has an industry leading 2ms latency from the mic transducer to the analog output.

SHURE ULX-D This digital wireless mic system from Shure can handle a wide range of installation and touring environments with its capability to operate up to 47 systems simultaneously within a 6MHz range. Delivering 24-bit digital audio with AES 256 encryption, the ULX-D system is networkable. The transmitters can run up to 9 hours on a charge. Shure offers tools such as Wireless Workbench, SystemOn, and Axient Spectrum Manager to assist in finding clear channels and managing RF. AMX and Crestron control is easily integrated. Among the American spectrum options are VHF, UHF, and 900MHz ISM bands. Transmitters include hand held, body pack, boundary, and gooseneck models while receivers can be single, dual, or quad channel variants.

D&B SUBSCRIPTION-SERIES To address the global trend of “pay what you consume,” d&b audiotechnik has launched a Subscription-Series that allows venue owners to upgrade their audiences’ sound experience with a new d&b system without a large, upfront capital investment. d&b says the standard Subscription-Series plan enables customers to fast-forward their technical, creative, and business goals with the security and flexibility of a low monthly payment and commitment periods as short as 24 months. The subscription fee covers all audio system solution hardware, including accessories, system commissioning, post-install services, maintenance, and decommissioning. At the end of the subscription period, customers can choose to continue their subscription, upgrade or adjust the system requirements, or cancel the service. The d&b sales partner and dealer network are part of the new offering and will continue to provide reliable and flexible services for the end customers.

The new option ensures d&b’s install sound systems are more commercially accessible to an even wider range of venues. Alongside the new Subscription-Series, d&b also offers a pay-per-use option. The add-on option enables customers to install additional d&b equipment for use at occasional special events. Venues are charged when the enhanced system components are actually used. The d&b Subscription-Series is now available in the United States, Europe (including the UK), Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

LIVEU LU300 This compact hardware-based HEVC field unit is a cost-effective and reliable HEVC encoder, enabling broadcasters and other content creators to transmit high-quality video on-the-go. Leveraging LiveU’s professional-grade hardware-based HEVC encoding technology, the LU300 combines high-quality video performance with extreme bandwidth efficiency.

Highly flexible, the LU300 can also serve as a standalone video encoder or be used as a LiveU DataBridge mobile hotspot for general connectivity in the field. Weighing just over 900 grams (2 lbs) and available in a pouch or camera-mount configuration, the LU300 bonds up to six connections: two internal modems, two external modems, WiFi, and LAN. The LU300 includes inherent support for 5G, allowing you to connect two external LiveU 5G cellular modem sticks for higher bandwidth and lower latency productions. Three-hour internal battery. LiveU’s hardware-based HEVC encoding technology reduces impact on the CPU, provides longer battery life and delivers the maximum image quality at any bit rate versus software-based HEVC technology

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KVM SYSTEMS TK

* INCLUDING ADDER • AURORA • BLACK BOX • G&D • IHSE • OPTICIS • RGB SPECTRUM

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KVM AT WORK A

s KVM becomes increasingly capable and IT-friendly, the applications continue to diversify whether for work or play.

MUSEUM KVM

The Indiana State Museum is located in Indianapolis within White River State Park. The museum houses 70,000 square feet of exhibit space with over 450,000 artifacts pertaining to science, art, culture, and history of Indiana from prehistoric times up to present day. The museum is also home to the Indianapolis IMAX Theater featuring the states’ largest movie screen.

In order to provide visitors with a unique memorable experience, all new interactive exhibits were created. Incorporating elements of digital

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KVM SYSTEMS signage, the touch panel kiosks utilize either motion or touch activated audio and video. Delivery of content across every floor requires a scalable and flexible 4K over 10G IP AV distribution solution. In addition local control and KVM breakout capabilities are ‘must have’ for the project. The kiosk design left minimal space for the AV equipment, a small footprint is a necessity.

Shawn Huddleson, AV Manager for the Indiana State Museum selected the Aurora IPX Series Transceivers to deploy across the variety of new museum exhibit spaces. The project utilized a total of thirtytwo transceivers, three 48-port Huawei 10G fiber switches, and related accessories. As the IPX units are transceivers, the IPX-TC1 are configured as transmitter or receiver based on implementation.

IPX units set-up as transmitters handle a variety of media playback sources. These units reside in the server room alongside the audio processing equipment, network distribution, and the exhibit control system.

The configured receivers are installed in the kiosks or behind exhibit walls, their small form factor making them an easy fit. With the flexible architecture of the IPX series, future expansion is as simple as adding additional IPX units to the network as the need arises.

control and monitor various areas. For security and space reasons, computers and IT equipment are located in a remote equipment room, away from the desks and monitors of the operators. Another major advantage of the physical separation is the ergonomic design of the control rooms, removing noisy, heat-producing computers from the operator workplace.

Furthermore, relocation to an air-conditioned, access-controlled equipment room simplifies central system administration and protects the devices from external influences and harmful environmental factors (e.g. protection from moisture or overheating).

AIRPORT KVM

The Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany’s capital opened last fall, bringing a new transit hub to one of Europe’s largest cities. With a projected annual passenger flow of 34 million, it would become the thirdbusiest airport in Germany. In order to provide maximum access and system security, the airport management team chose the KVM system from IHSE, which provides reliable and smooth operation.

The airport comprises many control centers that are staffed 24/7 to

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MEDICAL KVM

A Seattle hospital asked an international leader in medical and safety technology to create nurses’ stations with computers that would provide caregivers with remote access to in-room patient monitoring devices.

These stations were required on a floor of the hospital where nurses needed to be able to review patient vitals without going from room to room. To enable remote access to patient monitoring devices, the tech company needed a high-performance KVM extension solution. The KVM system had to support signal distribution over IP so it could be set up and run on the hospital’s existing network. The system also had to be able to extend signals to each patient monitoring device on this floor of the hospital and support HD video so nurses could accurately monitor vitals.

The medical technology company had an existing relationship with Black Box and reached out again.

Black Box suggested the Emerald SE KVM-over-IP system because it can work over the hospital’s IP network. Emerald SE supports Full HD DVI video (1920 x 1200) that provides a clear on-screen picture as well.

Additionally, SE can extend KVM signals as far as the network reaches, ensuring signals could extend from each nurses’ station to each in-room patient monitoring device without any issues or interruptions.

The medical and safety technology company installed the Emerald SE KVM system at the hospital, and Black Box provided technical support throughout the entire process to ensure deployment went perfectly.

After installing the Emerald SE KVM extension solution, this floor

KVM SYSTEMS of the hospital now has nurses’ stations with computers that provide remote access to in-room patient monitoring devices. These computers allow care providers to review vitals without going to each patient’s room, which has enhanced productivity, optimized patient care, and improved patient safety. Emerald’s KVM-over-IP support enables the entire system to run over the hospital’s IP network, ensuring no errors occur that could potentially affect patients. Emerald’s ability to extend KVM signals across the complete IP network allows the system to extend signals from every nursing station to every monitoring device reliably. The solution’s support of HD video gives care providers the high-resolution image they need to monitor patient vitals with ease.

SUPER BOWL KVM

Getty Images / Patrick Smith / Staff

On February 7, large mobile production trucks were on site in Tampa, FL to support live coverage for Super Bowl LV. As everyone prepared for the Big Game, a fleet of mobile production units had already been staged at the stadium to provide global coverage of the event. IHSE was proud to be part of this prestigious event as a solutions provider of KVM

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switching systems installed in nine trucks providing live coverage of local associated pre-game events, live same-day coverage and the world feed for international coverage.

Instant replay provided by such companies as EVS, is a staple of any sports broadcast event and IHSE KVM gear is instrumental in allowing EVS operators to manage content flow more smoothly.

IHSE’s Draco tera KVM switching solutions provided the horsepower to quickly respond to replay action during the game. In one truck application, 25 EVS XT3 servers and 24 graphic devices are connected to a Draco tera compact allowing shared operations among 3 trucks using an IHSE matrix grid to tie all the trucks together as one cascaded KVM system. In this way, an EVS operator can sit down at nearly any keyboard-and-monitor workspace within the truck and immediately connect to both the EVS network and to any graphics engines.

In another truck application supporting the hosting broadcast company, a hybrid Draco tera enterprise matrix is connected via both copper and fiber cabling connecting the local A/B/C truck system across CWDM. Live feeds were transmitted to the host broadcast center in New York City where show personnel were located.

KVM SYSTEMS

PRODUCTS

AURORA IPX-TC3A-WP3-PRO

The IPX-TC3A-WP3-Pro utilizes SDVoE technology and is positioned as the industry’s first 4K2K transceiver with zero compression (4K60 4:2:0, 4K30 4:4:4), lossless compression (4K60 4:4:4), and zero frame latency based on BlueRiver NT+ platform. The IPX can be set up as either a transmitter or receiver to make installation, inventory, and troubleshooting easier. Another industry first is the option slot to add other IP capabilities, like ExtremeUSB (USB 2.0 over IP) or Dante audio, for a more complete, distributed system. Audio, video, data, and control can be sent securely to one or many units using off-the-shelf 10G Ethernet switches. When the IPX is set up to be a transmitter, the 2 HDMI inputs become a source switch and the HDMI output becomes a potential loop out. When set up as a receiver, a user can select the local HDMI inputs or an IP source. Seamless switching of the sources further enhances the presentation. The USB 2.0 option is also flexible, working as a KVM and/or a high-speed data transfer (480Mbps) for memory sticks. Each IPX USB feature can also be set as a host or a device.

BLACK BOX EMERALD

New models of the Black Box Emerald PE transmitters and receivers offer support for Power over Ethernet (PoE), bringing even greater flexibility to the Emerald KVM-over-IP platform. With the PoE feature, Emerald PE can be deployed even more readily at the user desk and in the data center.

Simply connect extender units to a PoE-capable Ethernet switch to save on additional power supplies. For redundancy, the PoE feature can also be used alongside the regular power supply. The low-latency Emerald 4K and Emerald SE transmitter-receiver pairs connect workstations with remote computers and servers over distances up to 10km over single-mode fiber, or even farther over IP. The Remote App for the Emerald platform is a KVM software that enables remote computer access to both physical and virtual machines from any Windows 10 device. The Remote App increases mobility, device access and monitoring on any Emerald system and delivers a full HD video desktop experience up to 40fps from multiple connections that can be launched simultaneously. It supports HD video up to 1920x1200 and provides access to both physical and virtual machines over an IP network or WAN connection, and open connections to multiple devices simultaneously are possible. Its license-based access authentication via the Boxilla KVM Network Manager in real time ensures that the Emerald administrator has full control.

G&D REMOTEACCESS-CPU

RemoteAccess-CPU enables virtual machines in KVM installations and provides the ability to operate them remotely. In these times, cloud computing and virtualization processes are increasingly valuable to companies in order to enable hybrid infrastructures. The new G&D modules establish a connection between matrix systems and virtual machines, which can be accessed remotely via network protocols (RDP, VNC and SSH).

This way, hybrid systems with real and virtual computer infrastructures can be optimally implemented.

Users simply select the desired source from a standardized select menu (target list) on the on-screen display – regardless of whether the computer is available in the server room, via network protocol, or in the cloud. With its integrated thin client functionality, the RemoteAccess-CPU offers users a highly integrative connection setup without having to use a separate thin client. In hybrid systems, the RemoteAccess-CPU acts as a remote gateway to access virtual machines (remote targets). Users can choose between and operate all available virtual machines.

With the pooling function, specific remote targets can be combined with one or more RemoteAccess-CPUs to form a remote pool. This means that the selected remote gateways are always exclusively kept free for these targets. As a result, predefined virtual machines remain accessible at all times.

G&D REMOTEACCESS-GATE

With their new product RemoteAccess-GATE, KVM manufacturers Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) enable their customers to remotely operate KVM systems via LAN, WAN, and the Internet. A standalone device that links the two worlds of KVM systems and the networks, the RemoteAccess-GATE provides unblocked, BIOS-level access to connected computers worldwide. Thus, the RemoteAccessGATE opens up completely new ways for remote operation from remote locations and also improves the ways of providing IT support and collaboration among employees. Using software or web clients on a PC, operators can establish a secure connection to the RemoteAccess-GATE via the Internet, WAN, or LAN to provide remote access to the KVM installation and the connected computers. G&D offers three different web clients in order to get the best possible result. The units support 4K and Ultra-HD resolutions at 30Hz with a 4:2:2 sampling rate as well as HD resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz

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KVM SYSTEMS

PRODUCTS

with a 4:4:4 colour depth. The stand-alone device uses HDMI video signals and embedded HDMI audio (digital). Adapters are available for VGA, DVI, Mini DisplayPort, and USB-C. With the use of additional hardware, USB data can be transferred from the remote workstation via the RemoteAccessGATE and the KVM installation to the local computer. The RemoteAccess GATE allows simultaneous access for up to eight users. Configuration is possible via HTML browser or the serial service interface. The new RemoteAccess-GATE meets even the highest security requirements and includes AES encryption, IP access control, user and group permissions, KVM session encryption, and other security features.

ADDERLINK INFINITY 4000 SERIES

Adder Technology has added new features to its multi-award-winning ADDERLink INFINITY 4000 series. Available to all new and existing users, the updates include HDR10 support and touch control functionality, while also giving customers who are new to, or exploring the benefits of, IP KVM the ability to create a matrix of up to 16 endpoints without the need for an ADDERLink INFINITY Management (AIM) server.

ADDELINK IPEPS+

In February Adder, introduced multi-head support to its leading remote access KVM solution, the ADDERLink ipeps+. At a time when organizations need to adapt and embrace offsite access to critical IT systems and networks, Adder’s ipeps range of remote connectivity solutions continue to deliver real-time, access to HD video from anywhere in the world.

The ipeps+ now allows users to visualize and control up to four monitors, from a single computer, without compromising video quality.

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PRODUCTS

KVM SYSTEMS

OPTICIS DHFC-200D

This detachable DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 converting active optical cable, enables conversion of DisplayPort 1.2 signal to HDMI 2.0 signal, and extends 4K (4096x2160) at 60Hz up to 100m (328 feet) over plenum graded (or LSZH) hybrid cable without scaling or data compression. DHFC-200D offers flexibility during installation by separating the DisplayPort and HDMI connector and Active Optical Cable. It supports easy installation like a general copper cable, moreover DHFC-200D converts DisplayPort 1.2 signal to HDMI 2.0 signal and extends this signal much longer than general copper cable. With the High-Retention HDMI connector, the Rx side allows more retention force compared to standard HDMI connector; DisplayPort connector secures its connection with its own locking mechanism.

RGB SPECTRUM XTENDPOINT

RGB Spectrum’s XtendPoint KVM-over-IP system provides distributed workflow for remote systems, across a room, a campus, or even a far-flung enterprise. XtendPoint offers the versatility to view and control systems in windows on a single display or an array of display devices. It consolidates controllable sources into a multiwindow image, providing operators with a correlated view of signal sources. It supports multi-image display in both single and dual monitor configurations, the former able to display four and the latter up to eight remote systems with a single monitor and keyboard. Operators can sift through mountains of data, inspect multiple signal sources, and share any source viewed on their local displays. Critical information can be curated by operators at their various control stations. The result is improved situational awareness, better decision-making and faster response. XtendPoint KVM offers single keyboard and mouse, providing uncluttered, more efficient operator stations.

The system delivers low latency responsiveness and 4:4:4 UHD visual performance. It encodes signal sources up to 4Kp60 resolution into low-bandwidth

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streams that can be efficiently distributed to multiple operator stations simultaneously. Ir supports one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-tomany configurations. Secure communication and control is provided for both point-to-point extension or networked operation over standard Gigabit Ethernet. Additional security can be made available through fiber optic connection.

IHSE DRACO TERA FLEX

IHSE has launched its Draco tera flex series of KVM matrix switches, designed to deliver increased performance with enhanced flexibility, modularity, scalability, and functionality. The Draco tera flex family incorporates features from the Draco tera enterprise series of switches, including SNMPv3, LDAPS, multilingual on-screen display, encrypted communication for maximum security (for API, Draco tera configuration tool and Matrix Grid), and fast booting. Draco tera flex devices can now be interconnected in a decentralized matrix system using matrix grid technology. The Draco tera flex is available in three housing variants (1, 2, and 4U) with between 16 and 160 ports. All ports can be used flexibly as inputs or outputs. Eight-port expansion modules can be mixed between category and fiber optic types, with either 1Gb or 3Gb bandwidth; thus almost all customer-specific requirements can be achieved. The Draco tera flex is equipped with integrated power supply and redundant network connection as standard. The new Draco tera flex matrix switch series offers a higher number of ports and performance at almost the same cost and replaces the existing Draco tera compact range; however, the eight-port compact switch will still be available as an entry-level variant for smaller KVM installations. The modular structure permits simple interchange of individual components and prepares for future expansion. The Draco tera flex series is fully compatible with all Draco extenders and Draco tera KVM switches. It is well suited for cost-effective expansion of an existing Draco tera enterprise system or as an upgrade to existing Draco tera compact installations.

Secure KVM-over-IP Control of Systems over Fiber or CATx

Transmitter

Transmitter

Transmitter

LAN/WAN Receiver

Keyboard/Mouse

Take control of remote systems by simply moving the cursor to the desired window Standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network

Multi-headed computers supported

Excellent responsiveness over a LAN or WAN

Secure, encrypted transmissions

One-to-one to many-to-many configurations

Single keyboard/mouse for multiple computers

Operator stations with up to four single view or two multiview monitors

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3/11/21 5:01 PM

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3/15/21 11:18 AM

OPEN MIC

AV EXPECTATIONS

by Randy Tritz, CTS-D

t’s 2021, and user expectations and the overall relationship with technology have shifted.

The landscape of engagement, communication, and collaboration has forever changed—and, we can safely say it has changed for the better.

I

Technology is finally being recognized as a building utility, and no longer considered an amenity. It is a must-have. The expectation is and will be that untethered access is available everywhere at any time, whether for work or education. It is ubiquitous, it is required, and it is assumed to be prevalent, secure, and accessible at any time, and in any location. Institutions and corporate America are now fully embracing Unified Communications. Although the technology industry has been merging AV, IT, networks, and security to address the Internet of Things (IoT) for years, users never fully grasped the effect IoT could have on their lives. With the convergence of IoT and technology, that’s becoming a reality, and an expectation, whether in education, corporate America, sports venues, or any other interactive and collaborative environment. Engagement will require a user interface that offers the highest level of user experience; the user interface is and will be a key to the proliferation of technology on all fronts and in each sector. This includes touchless environments, and may mandate use of personal devices (phone, tablet, laptop, PC), verbal communications with devices, or gesture-based interface controls.

Using a device of your choosing has offered users singular interfaces to data and communications. The individual user experience will become the prevailing standard of technology implementation and collaboration. This will contribute to the blurring lines between content creation, presentation, and collaboration. Gone are the days whereby a presenter or instructor would create content, then present it in a sterile, well-defined singular autocratic workflow.

Today, content is created virtually, on the fly, through interaction and collaboration, requiring instant access to data manipulation and presentation in a manner that makes sense to participants.

Software will continue to be a required component for content generation and collection. Much of this is beginning to take the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for collaboration, data gathering, and presentation, and in making decisions within the meeting

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or learning environment.

The modernization of technology also shifts how we manage security, forever changing the way networks are designed and secured. Significantly greater consideration will be required to manage the amount of data, and how it is secured. Traditional forms of addressing security have focused on user profiles rather than on hackers piercing firewalls using algorithms to emulate passwords. A user’s digital fingerprint will become much more individualized than creating a password for login. Looking forward, there will be an immense focus on internal hacking, resulting from breach of protocols by users with non-secured personal devices. With the proliferation of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), the ability to secure a network is no longer going to be limited to a device that is issued by the school or company, or a single authentication password and profile.

If the world learned anything from 2020, it is that people will no longer need to be in the same room, asynchronously communicating, using prescribed devices that are connected via a prescribed methodology and sitting behind a secured firewall. The conference room or the classroom is truly without walls in terms of limitations of technologies and user access. While the world has been slowly migrating toward this epiphany, 2020 has forced our hand, removing past barriers and creating new focus.

Although we have all addressed the issues related to working and studying from home, physical space remains esseential. We are, to varying levels, social people that can derive much more from an engagement while in the same physical space, sitting in front of another person, than we can by looking at a video screen or avatar of the person(s) we are communicating with. Technology can most certainly provide avenues toward enhanced collaboration and communication, but it still cannot replace the core of our human existence.

The ideal learning or working environment should reduce barriers to technology. How do we plan for this? By enhancing the user’s access to that technology and its data. With so much technology at our fingertips, the ability for individuals to multitask is greatly enhanced, allowing for even higher efficiencies both in the classroom and in the office. Keep an eye on your students’ or staff’s ability to focus. Also pay attention to the now blurred line between work and play. As our new normal may be more virtual than in person, and data is now accessible anywhere, anytime, there is a growing need to focus on a work/life (or study/life) balance to maintain sanity, among other things.